Kunal Kamra 'traitor' row: X user invites him to do show in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: While a scathing row is on the stove and frothing after Kunal Kamra's comments, allegedly defaming Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and series of developments followed, including the vandalism and razing down of the studio, which hosted Kamra’s show where he made the comments, an X user extended an invitation to the stand-up comedian to run a show at the Ejipura flyover here.

X user Aashay Sachdeva wrote, "Can you host the next show under ejipura flyover?"

Can you host the next show under ejipura flyover? https://t.co/WBDzpXb26U

— aashay sachdeva (@AashaySachdeva) March 24, 2025

NDTV comments that the X user made the suggestion in the hope that the long-delayed and incomplete flyover might receive some attention. The flyover is reportedly a frustration to daily commuters, NDTV writes.

Shiv Sena workers, irked by Kunal Kamra's remarks, attacked Mumbai's Habitat Studio, a popular stand-up comedy venue. Kamra allegedly called Eknath Shinde a "gaddar" (traitor). The mob attack and later the authorities demolishing the venue due to unspecified violations forced the venue to temporarily close.

In a statement on Instagram, Habitat said, "We are shutting down until we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy. Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any artist, but recent events have made us rethink how we get blamed and targeted every time-almost like we are a proxy for the performer."

Meanwhile, Kamra reiterated late on Monday that he would not apologise for his comment despite getting threats.

He said, “I don’t fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”

The controversy erupted after Kamra sang a parody song in his latest special, Naya Bharat, referencing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor), The News Minute reported.

In his post on X, Kamra said,“ I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr Ajit Pawar (first DCM) said about Mr Eknath Shinde (second DCM). To the political elders threatening to teach me a lesson, Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only used routinely to fawn over the powerful and rich, even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system.”

He further said, "However, I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat without prior notice and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.”

“To the mob that decided that Habitat should not stand. An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you did not like the butter chicken you were served,” he said.